Man claims city cleaned drainage ditch near home only twice in 45 years

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Robert Mervin said he has been living with an eyesore and he wants it fixed.

Mervin showed us the drainage ditch near his home is full of trash and tall weeds. He's lived in his home 45 years and says it's only been cleaned twice in that time.

Mervin said calls to city hall have resulted in nothing.

First Coast News called the city. Department of Public Works spokeswoman Debbie Delgado released the following statement:

"Public Works has been in communication with Mr. Mervin on a regular basis regarding the status of his ditch-cleaning request. The maintenance of the ditch is scheduled to be done in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

"Public Works maintains 2,000 miles of major ditches; 5,000 miles of roadside ditches and 44,000 catch basins and inlets, etc. Public Works appreciates Mr. Mervin's communications with the City of Jacksonville as they complete ditch-cleaning requests."